Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) organised an educational seminar yesterday (Nov 21) that attracted about 50 incoming talents and their families, highlighting the curriculum and unique features of direct subsidy scheme (DSS) and international schools in the city, along with the application and enrolment procedures.
Over 160,000 talents have resided in Hong Kong through various talent admission schemes as of September this year, according to the city’s immigration authority. This influx, along with their spouses and children, has intensified demand for local school places.
Bill Garnett, the Principal of English Schools Foundation (ESF) Peak School, elaborated on the balanced development philosophy and outlined the international primary school interview process during the seminar. Interviews are conducted entirely in English and incorporate observations of children’s social interactions through play-based activities. Their English vocabulary and comprehension will also be assessed through one-on-one conversations with teachers, with no written tests required for Year 1 admissions.
HKTE organised an educational seminar featuring 3 education experts. Photo shows the Principal of St. Paul’s College, Dennis Yuen (left on the stage); the Principal of ESF Peak School, Bill Garnett (centre); the Head of Admission, ESF Centre, Julie Wong (right).
The headteacher noted that each applicant may apply to a maximum of four different ESF primary schools across various districts. Children of incoming talents under the Top Talent Pass Scheme will receive priority in the application process. Upon completing the Year 6 curriculum, ESF students will be allocated to a corresponding ESF secondary school through an “associated school model.”
Dennis Yuen, the Principal of St. Paul’s College, addressed participants regarding the DSS mechanisms and the curriculum designed for internationally recognised secondary programmes. He observed that many incoming talents are often unaware of the admission processes for local secondary schools, which can lead to missed application deadlines.
The head of the renowned college advised parents to plan according to their children's school ages. For instance, applications for Secondary 1 must be submitted by the end of the year prior to admission and typically include an interview assessing both English and Chinese proficiencies. For applications to Secondary 2 to 4, candidates must prepare for written tests in Chinese, English, and Mathematics, potentially including assessments of integrated science.
Hong Kong Talent Engage Hosts Educational Seminar for Incoming Families.
Yuen discouraged mid-year transfers for Secondary 5 or 6 students, citing the significant academic and adjustment burdens such transitions can impose.
HKTE is committed to facilitating the integration of incoming talents' children into the local education system, as stated by a spokesperson for HKTE. This year, a total of four education-themed seminars have been held, covering topics from early childhood education to secondary school curricula.
HKTE plans to collaborate with partners to host additional educational events in the future, including 2 upcoming education fairs in mid-December, providing valuable information to incoming families.
